Comic Book Reviews for June 17, 2015

June continues to be a banner month for new comic book releases. DC kicked off another wave of new and revamped comics this week, including Harley Quinn & Power Girl #1, Bryan Hitch's Justice League of America #1 and big Black Canary overhaul. But the book to beat was the long-awaited Secret Six #3.

Marvel, naturally, was all about Secret Wars this week. They debuted promising new tie-ins with Thors #1 and Squadron Sinister #1, continued the Old Man Logan saga and even drew Ms. Marvel into the fray with a new "Last Days" tie-in story. Elsewhere, Dark Horse wrapped up the excellent mini-series Ei8ht, IDW delivered a big Ghostbusters/Real Ghostbusters crossover and Image added yet another worthy sci-fi comic to their lineup with Empty Zone #1.

Scroll down to read our reviews for these and many other new releases. And be sure to head down to the comments to let us know your favorite comics from this week.

DC COMICS

Black Canary #1

Written by Brenden Fletcher | Drawn by Annie Wu

"Black Canary has been “Batgirled,” or so they say. With the first issue officially out, we can now dig into what that actually means for this fan favorite character. If you’ve been reading Cameron Stewart’s and Brenden Fletcher’s Batgirl, you might have a good idea already. Fletcher, on his own here, takes much of the style and sensibilities he’s infused into Batgirl, and done much of the same thing to her once-bestie, Black Canary. Fletcher quickly establishes the new status quo, and launches our titular star on a personal and unexpected new journey.”-Mike

9.2

Doomed #1

Written by Scott Lobdell | Drawn by Javier Fernandez

Does DC need a completely new teen hero when they still struggle to do right by characters like Static and Blue Beetle? Regardless, this new series introduces a character called Reiser who undergoes a Hulk-like transformation and becomes the new Doomsday. Perhaps not the most clever premise ever to grace the printed page, but writer Scott Lobdell largely makes up for that fact with a surprisingly charming first issue. Reiser is impossible not to like, what between his boundless optimism and devotion to bettering the lives of those around him. If anything, the character could use a few foibles or flaws to balance things out. Lobdell cleverly structures this issue, introducing Reiser in his uncontrollable new form and then back-tracking to explore the series of events that caused it. Javier Fernadez's figure work shines throughout, with angular but expressive figures that break away from the typical superhero mold. His page layouts are less appealing, though, with many panels feeling small and cluttered. Still, not a bad start for a new book that could easily have stumbled out of the gate. -Jesse

Final Score:

7.3

Dr. Fate #1

Written by Paul Levitz | Drawn by Sonny Liew

"Dr. Fate #1 is a superhero comic unlike the majority of superhero comics you’ll read this week. This comic is the poster child of everything right that DC were trying to do with their soft relaunch. It brings a little much-needed diversity to the world of capes and cowls, interesting new characters, bold new art, and a great take on an old concept; even if it also has its share of recognizable tropes." -Levi

8.2

"This new mini-series flashes back to late 2014, when Harley donned a new superhero costume and became the sidekick of an amnesic Power Girl. If you're keeping score, Harley Quinn & Power Girl takes place in between two panels in Harley Quinn #13, as the two heroines were briefly teleported off-planet for a series of unseen misadventures. Well, those misadventures are unseen no longer. If you just want more good, silly fun involving this unlikely Dynamic Duo, Harley Quinn & Power Girl #1 delivers the goods." -Jesse

8.2

Justice League of America #1

Written & Drawn by Bryan Hitch

"Last time DC launched a book called "Justice League of America," it focused on a new, government-sponsored team that served as the antithesis of the core Justice League. This time, the focus is specifically on that core team. Bryan Hitch's Justice League of America is emblematic of DC's revamped, post-Convergence approach to superhero comics. It downplays continuity in favor of allowing a big-name creator a wide, clean canvas to tell the story they want. So far, it appears that this approach is paying off." -Jesse

7.6

"If Twitter has taught us anything in the past month, it's that everyone in the comic book industry loves Imperator Furiosa. DC was sitting on a potential gold mine with this particular tie-in to Mad Max: Fury Road. Who wouldn't want to learn more about the mysterious law-woman and the tragic past she alluded to in the film? Unfortunately, this issue adds little to Furiosa's story or the film as a whole. It's a real missed opportunity." -Jesse

5.9

Martian Manhunter #1

Written by Rob Williams | Drawn by Eddy Barrows

“Remember when the Martian Manhunter was an imposing but lovable hero obsessed with Chocos? Yeah, well that guy hasn’t quite been around since the inception of the New 52. Since then the Martian Manhunter has been, well, kind of scary. And possibly evil. Rob Williams is well aware of all of this, and with his debut issue tells readers directly that all is certainly not what it seems. Our favorite Martian’s debut issue is as mysterious as our titular character, but it should give fans something to hope for.” -Mike

9.0

Prez #1

Written by Mark Russell | Drawn by Ben Caldwell

As part of DC's efforts to re-brand and diversify, they need to add more titles to their lineuip that aren't superhero-centric. What better time to dust off the short-lived Prez comic and give it a fresh coat of paint? This first issue offers a great revamp of what was always a better idea than an actual story. Mark Russell opts for a heavily satirical approach, setting the book in a bizarre, near-future landscape and lampooning both American politics and Internet culture in one fell swoop. Silly though it is, that satire is handled in such a way where the humor often hits a little uncomfortably closer to home (voters too apathetic to turn out even via Twitter, politicians proposing ridiculous new forms of surveillance, etc.). Ben Caldwell's cartoonish, expressive art style really fits the bill in terms of balancing the book between lighthearted comedy, darker political satire and grim family drama. Unlike the original comic, Russell is clearly interested in how a teenager would manage to get themselves elected President in the first place, and the waves such an act would cause among the establishment. This is a goofy book in some ways, but it has something valid to say without being preachy or carrying a hidden agenda. -Jesse

Final Score:

9.0

Robin: Son of Batman #1

Written by Patrick Gleason | Drawn by Patrick Gleason

“Patrick Gleason is a name that will be familiar to Batman fans. As artist of the long-running Batman and Robin title, he worked for many issues alongside writer Peter Tomasi to craft an incredibly personal tale about a father and son who just happened to be the Dark Knight and Boy Wonder, respectively. Now on his own, Gleason is telling the story of a Robin who is, coincidentally enough, now on his own too. The result is certainly entertaining, but it requires a long memory and a deep familiarity with the main character.” -Mike

8.5

Secret Six #3

Written by Gail Simone | Drawn by Dale Eaglesham

Click. What’s that sound? Oh, that’s Secret Six officially clicking into place. Gail Simone perfectly captures the pure essence of everything that made her original series phenomenally great. Relatable villains? Check. Heartfelt moments? Check. Ensuing hilarity? Check again. A mind-blowing, cliffhanging, double-reveal that will leave fans reeling? You better believe that’s a check. This is the start of everything that fans have been waiting for since the original series ended. Plus, Dale Eaglesham handles the pencils, and he absolutely masters everything Simone throws at him. From the grotesque to emotionally charged moments, and everything in between, let’s all collectively hope that Eaglesham is here to stay. -Mike

Final Score:

9.8

Sinestro #12

Written by Cullen Bunn | Drawn by Brad Walker

This issue builds from the recent Sinestro Annual and the reveal that a traitor among the Sinestro Corps is attempting to destroy New Korugar. That creates a certain constant, low level sense of tension throughout this issue as Sinestro works to save his people and ferret out the traitor. Generally, though, this plot element plays second fiddle to Sinestro's latest clash with his daughter, Soranik. The sense of foreboding and imminent danger isn't as strong as it could be. However, the characterization is strong, particularly as Cullen Bunn explores Sinestro's boundless ego, his tough love for Soranik and the idea that he really can't fathom the notion of failing his people. That arrogance may soon literally blow up in his face, which could be a promising new angle for the series. Brad Walker proves a capable fit for the series. While his facial work ranges from solid to weirdly distorted, he gives the book an appreciable sense of scale and depicts the Sinestro/Soranik battle on an epic scale. -Jesse

Final Score:

7.7

Superman/Wonder Woman #18

Written by Peter J. Tomasi | Drawn by Doug Mahnke

Superman and Wonder Woman are both going through a lot of changes at the moment. However, with the new issue of Superman/Wonder Woman, Peter J. Tomasi chooses to focus entirely on what this means for Superman. While this certainly makes for an interesting Superman story, it leaves Wonder Woman in the role of a supporting character even though she has equal billing on the book. Another unfortunate note is that both characters seem either emotionally stilted or incredibly angry with little in between. Doug Mahnke’s pencils are a mixed bag here with some panels being particularly stronger than others. Sadly, too many feel rather rushed. -Mike

Final Score:

6.9

Wonder Woman #41

Written by Meredith Finch | Drawn by David Finch

June is a month for second chances at DC, and Wonder Woman #41 makes pretty good use of its second chance. After letting her God of War side out last issue, we are left with Dianna’s peaceful side here as we see her tending to her subjects. It’s nice to see that Meredith Finch isn’t sweeping the consequences of past issues under the rug and it’s also a nice reminder that Wonder Woman is capable of being a good leader. David Finch delivers a solid issue on the art side. The costume change will probably be divisive, but it works in these pages. Unfortunately, there are still some panels that are either corny or cringe worthy from both Finchs here, but it’s unrealistic to expect everything to be fixed in an issue. -Levi